Hard to believe it has been 5+ years since beginning as the full-time director of two Regional Manufacturers Associations, SAMA and SRMA. That's what it took to obtain this as a full-time career, as each association was too small to hire and sustain their own director. It also could not have been possible without the support of FloridaMakes and their desire to partner with the regional manufacturing associations as a part of their mission.
10 counties, approximately 10,000 square miles, a team of 4, a total of 26 board members, 155 manufacturing members, 50 business partners, and more ecosystem partners than I could keep track! I began thinking about hiring a 5th team member. I kept looking at the lack of hair on my head! Time for a change...
Starting mid-June, our Business Advisor, Pavel Kuviarzin moved his full focus to the SRMA, our Membership Experience Manager, Allison Evanitz, became SAMA's full-time Business Advisor, the SRMA hired a new Executive Director, and I am now full time Executive Director for SAMA. Victoria Durant remains the Administrative Assistant for both RMAs, and the collaboration between SAMA and SRMA will continue.
It truly has been a team effort for the growth and success of both associations. I thank those listed above and many more who play a key role in making SAMA a recognized name in the regional economy and community. I'd be remiss if I did not thank our members, for their support and engagement with the association.
Now it's time to go deeper. More involvement in workforce initiatives and education, attracting more high-tech, high-wage manufacturers to the area, and help existing manufacturers (our members) become more technologically advanced and productive.
November 1, 2026 will be SAMA's 55-year anniversary. Lots to celebrate as we look back. Now we enter the next chapter of the journey...
- Rob Harris has been serving as SAMA’s Executive Director since June 2019. SAMA is a part of the FloridaMakes network, covering DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.